NOV 2 -- (NEWARK) – Gerard P. McAleer, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Jersey Division and Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin, announced the successful completion of Operation Honeycomb. To date, there have been 47 individuals arrested for their roles in this multi-state narcotics enterprise network. Approximately 32 pounds of cocaine, over 6 ½ pounds of heroin, 3 semiautomatic handguns and 1 revolver, 2 bullet proof vests, and approximately $95,0000 in U.S. Currency has been seized. The drugs seized have an estimated street value of well over one million dollars.

The investigation, coined "Operation Honeycomb," commenced in the fall of 2006, when an undercover officer purchased large quantities of cocaine from an individual within the organization. Additional investigative tools were then utilized to identify other members of the narcotics distribution network as well as their methods of operation.

Gerard P. McAleer, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA New Jersey Division stated, "Operation Honeycomb is a great example of cooperation among all law enforcement agencies, particularly the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, which took a street level buy a year ago, to the dismantling of an organization that was responsible for transporting and distributing multiple kilograms of cocaine and heroin from California, Florida, and New York."

Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin stated, "This operation is a classic example of how successful partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement can benefit our community. Operation Honeycomb successfully identified and arrested the local and national drug distributors and eliminated multiple sources of narcotics destined for the streets of Monmouth County." Prosecutor Valentin further commended all the participating agencies with their dedication and commitment to the investigation.

The following is an outline of significant arrests and seizures made during the investigation:

On August 5, 2007 Michael Smith and Barbara Miller were arrested in Long Branch, after they were found in possession of approximately 200 grams of cocaine.

On August 10, 2007 Tyson Abel was arrested in Ocean Township, after he was found in possession of approximately 9 pounds of cocaine.

On September 25, 2007 Luis Negron, Angel Aviles and Luis Maldonado were arrested in Newark, after they were found to be in possession of 2.2 pounds of cocaine. During a subsequent search of Negron's girlfriend Luz Torres' residence in Roselle, New Jersey, officers found another 4.4 pounds of cocaine. Torres was additionally charged.

On September 28, 2007 six key participants were arrested in connection with their roles in the network:

Ricardo Padro was arrested in West Long Branch and found to be in possession of a loaded 380-caliber handgun and approximately 1-ounce of cocaine. Padro is believed to be a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation street gang.

Tyson Abel and Katherine Russo were arrested at their residence in Neptune City. A lawful search of their residence resulted in the recovery of a loaded .38 caliber Beretta and 68 bricks of heroin (3400 bags).

Alejandro Burgos was arrested at his residence in Long Branch. At the time of his arrest, Burgos possessed two loaded handguns (a .45 caliber and a 9-mm), two bulletproof vests and approximately 7 ounces of cocaine. Burgos is believed to be a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation street gang.

Ramon Rodriguez, who has been documented by law enforcement as a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation, was arrested in Long Branch. At the time of his arrest, Rodriguez possessed approximately one-half ounce of cocaine.

Michael Smith was arrested at his residence in Neptune on complaints charging him with third degree Possession of Cocaine, first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, first degree Distribution of Cocaine, and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine.

On October 10, 2007, approximately $60,000 in U.S. currency was recovered from Martha Chispe, Stephanie Machaudo, Hector Carabali-Cevallos and Francisco Morales-Chispe in New York City.

On October 26, 2007, Martha Chispe, Stephanie Machaudo, and Hector Carabali-Cevallos were arrested in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, after the vehicle which was rented and driven from Florida was stopped on the New Jersey Turnpike. Approximately 15 pounds of cocaine and 6 ½ pounds of heroin were recovered from the vehicle they were operating.

On October 26, 2007, Francisco Morales-Chispe, 35, of Los Angeles, California, was arrested on October 26, 2007 in Bronx, New York.

On October 29, 2007, William Duran-Paulino, Wilfredo Recio, Juan Taveras, and Elvin Golon-Casiano, a/k/a "Geuri Recio" were all arrested in the Bronx.

On October 29, 2007, Nicholas Brito, 27, was arrested in the Bronx on a federal warrant arising out of an unrelated investigation. On October 30, 2007, Brito was served with a complaint charging him with second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Heroin for his role in this Drug Distribution Network.

Currently, Edward A. Santana, a key member of this narcotic distribution network remains at large and is wanted on a charge of second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. Santana is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 6 feet tall and weighing between 160 and 180 pounds. Santana's date of birth is February 28, 1977 and his last known address is 743 Parker Street in Perth Amboy. Anyone having any information on Santana's whereabouts is requested to contact Detective Todd Rue of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office at 1- 800/ 533-7443.

As a result of the "Operation Honeycomb" investigation, the federal resources that were provided in this cooperative investigation identified sources of narcotics from multiple states, to include California, Florida and New York.

A full list of all those arrested is attached. All of those arrested were remanded to the Monmouth County Correctional Institute in lieu of bail, which was set by the Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. All bails are cash only and require a source of funds hearing prior to bail being posted.

Despite these charges every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and State law.

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OPERATION HONEYCOMB

Ramon Rodriguez, 34, of Long Branch, who has been documented by law enforcement as a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation, was arrested on September 28, 2007 in Long Branch. Rodriguez was arrested on complaints charging him with third degree Possession of Cocaine, first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, first degree Distribution of Cocaine, and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. At the time of his arrest, Rodriguez was found to possess cocaine, resulting in an additional charge for third degree Possession of Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C., set Rodriguez's bail at $1,510,000.

Ricardo Padro, 30, of Neptune Township, was arrested on September 28, 2007 in West Long Branch. Padro was charged with third degree Possession of Cocaine, 5 counts second degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, 5 counts second degree Distribution of Cocaine, 2 counts first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, 2 counts first degree Distribution of Cocaine and one count second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. At the time of his arrest, Padro was found to possess approximately one ounce of cocaine and a handgun (.380 caliber). As a result, Padro was charged with the additional crimes of third degree Possession of Cocaine, second degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, third degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second degree Possession of a Firearm while in the Course of Committing a Narcotics Offense and second degree Certain Person not to Have Firearms. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C., set Padro's bail at $1,610,000.

Tyson Abel, 31, of Neptune City was arrested on August 10, 2007 in the Township of Ocean, after he was found in the possession of approximately 4 kilos of cocaine. At that time, Abel was charged with third degree Possession of Cocaine, first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, and fourth degree Resisting Arrest. The Honorable Jamie S. Perri, J.S.C., set bail at $300,000.

Tyson Abel, and Kathleen Russo, 24, were arrested on September 28, 2007 at their residence in Neptune City. Both were charged with third degree Possession of Cocaine, first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, first degree Distribution of Cocaine, and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. Sixty-eight bricks of heroin (approximately 3400 bags) and a loaded handgun (.38 caliber Beretta) were recovered during a lawful search at their residence on the same date. As a result, they were also charged with third degree Possession of Heroin, second degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, third degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun and second degree Possession of a Firearm while in the Course of Committing a Narcotic Offense. Abel received an additional charge of second degree Certain Persons not to Possess Firearms. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C., set Abel's bail at $2,050,000. and set Russo's bail at $1,050,000.

Michael Smith, 21, of Neptune Township was arrested on August 5, 2007 in the City of Long Branch, after he was found in the possession of approximately 200 grams of cocaine. At that time, Smith was charged with third degree Possession of Cocaine, first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, and third degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine within 1000 feet of School Property. The Honorable Paul F. Chaiet, J.S.C., set bail on the August 5th charges at $100,000. Michael Smith was again arrested on September 28, 2007 on complaints charging him with third degree Possession of Cocaine, first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, first degree Distribution of Cocaine, and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C., set Smith's bail at $1,000,000.

Alejandro Burgos, 27, was arrested at his residence in Long Branch, on September 28, 2007. Burgos was arrested on complaints charging him with third degree Possession of Cocaine, first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, first degree Distribution of Cocaine, and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. At the time of his arrest, Burgos possessed approximately 7 ounces of cocaine and two loaded handguns (a .45 caliber and a 9-mm). As a result, Burgos was issued additional complaints charging him with third degree Possession of Cocaine, first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, fourth degree Possession of Hollow Point Bullets, two counts third degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second degree Possession of a Firearm while in the Course of Committing a Narcotic Offense, and second degree Certain Person not to Possess Firearms. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C., set Burgos' bail at $2,050,000.

Luis Negron, 33, of Carteret, New Jersey, together with Angel Aviles, 34, of Newark, New Jersey, and Luis Maldonado, 43, of Newark, New Jersey, were arrested on September 25, 2007, in Newark, New Jersey and charged with third degree Possession of Cocaine, first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, after they were found by law enforcement in possession of approximately one kilo of cocaine. A search was then conducted at the residence of Negron's girlfriend Luz Torres, 45, of Roselle, New Jersey, which resulted in the recovery of an additional 2 kilos of cocaine. As a result, Luz was also arrested and charged with third degree Possession of Cocaine, first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C., set all the bails. Negron's bail was set at $2,000,000. Aviles' and Torres' bails were set at $1,000,000 each. Maldonado's bail was set at $750,000.

Martha Rosario-Chispe, 38, of Panarama City, California, and Stephanie Machuado, 25, of North Hollywood, California, were arrested on October 26, 2007 in Mount Laurel, New Jersey after the vehicle they rented in Florida was stopped on the New Jersey Turnpike. Rosario-Chispe and Machuado were arrested on complaints charging them with second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. Seven kilograms of cocaine and three kilograms of heroin were recovered during the execution of a search warrant on the vehicle they were operating. As a result, they were also charged with third degree Possession of Heroin, first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, third degree Possession of Cocaine, and first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. The third adult in the vehicle, Hector Carabali Cevallos, 35, of Ecuador and currently residing in New York, was also charged with third degree Possession of Heroin, first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, third degree Possession of Cocaine, and first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C., set the bails at $3,000,000 each.

Francisco Morales-Chispe, 35, of Los Angeles, California, was arrested on October 26, 2007, in the Bronx, New York. Morales-Chispe was charged with second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Heroin. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C., set Morales-Chispe 's bail at $2,000,000.

William Duran-Paulino, 27, of the Dominican Republic and currently residing in New York, was arrested on October 29, 2007 in the Bronx. He was charged with second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C., set Duran-Paulino’s bail $1,000,000.

Wilfredo Recio, 36, Juan Taveras, 41, and Elvin Golon-Casiano a/k/a Geuri Recio, 36, all of whom reside in Bronx, New York, were arrested on October 29, 2007 in the Bronx. All three were charged with second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C., set their bails at $1,000,000. each.

Nicholas Brito, 27, of the Dominican Republic and currently residing in Bronx, New York, was arrested in the Bronx on October 29, 2007 on a federal warrant arising out of an unrelated investigation. On October 30, 2007, Brito was served with a complaint charging him with second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Heroin for his role in this Drug Distribution Network. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C., set Britos' bail at $2,000,000.

Jose Concepcion, 28, of Long Branch, was arrested on October 9, 2007 and charged with third degree Possession of Cocaine, first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, first degree Distribution of Cocaine, first degree Leader of a Narcotic Network and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C., set Concepcion's bail at $2,000,000.

Barbara Miller, 32, of Neptune Township was arrested on October 18, 2007 and charged with second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. Judge Lawson set Miller's bail at $100,000. Miller had also been arrested with her boyfriend Michael Smith on August 5, 2007 and charged with third degree Possession of Cocaine, first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, and third degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine within 1000 feet of School Property. The Honorable Paul F Chaiet, J.S.C., set her bail for the August 5th charges at $50,000.

Latoya Castle, 22, of Long Branch, was arrested on November 1, 2007, on charges of second degree Official Misconduct and fourth degree Obstructing the Administration of Justice. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C., set Castle's bail at $50,000.

Antonio Castro, 24, of West Long Branch, was arrested on October 10, 2007 and charged with third degree Possession of cocaine, second degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, second degree Distribution of Cocaine and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C., set Castro's bail at $25,000.

Christine Strauss, 40, of Long Branch, was arrested on October 9, 2007 and charged with third degree Possession of Cocaine, second degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, second degree Distribution of Cocaine and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Castro's bail at $100,000.

Daniel Burgado, 22, of Long Branch, was arrested on arrested on October 5, 2007 and charged with two counts third degree Possession of Cocaine, two counts second degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, two counts second degree Distribution of Cocaine, one count first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, one count first degree Distribution of Cocaine and one count second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Burgado's bail at $4,000,000.

Jamie Albreezio, 31, of West Long Branch, was arrested on September 28, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set her bail at $12,500.

Rocco Potts, 36, of Bradley Beach, was arrested on October 18, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Potts' bail at $25,000.

Jesse Larsen, 23, of Bradley Beach, was arrested on October 19, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Larsen's bail at $25,000.

Brad Tugman, 22, of Lincroft, was arrested on October 15, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Tugman's bail at $25,000.

Brian Dillonaire, 30, of Highlands, was arrested on October 18, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Dillonaire's bail at $25,000.

Anthony Palazzolo, 46, of Long Branch, was arrested on October 22, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Palazzolo's bail at $25,000.

Aaron Riley, 22, of Eatontown, was arrested on October 31, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Riley's bail at $25,000.

Thomas Genova, 21, of Lincroft, was arrested on October 19, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Genova's bail at $25,000.

Leslie Davis, 42, of Long Branch, was arrested on October 22, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Davis' bail at $25,000.

John Moco, 36, of Long Branch, was arrested on October 31, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Moco's bail at $25,000.

Gary Taylor, 39, of Long Branch, was arrested on October 31, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Taylor's bail at $25,000.

Gregory Welsh, 36, of Eatontown, was arrested on October 25, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Welsh's bail at $25,000.

Michelle Welsh, 40, of Eatontown, was arrested on October 25, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Welsh's bail at $25,000.

Joseph Atardi, 38, of Long Branch, was arrested on October 31, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Atardi's bail at $25,000.

Steven Clayton, 33, of Long Branch, was arrested on September 29, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Clayton's bail at $25,000.

Alice Felber, 38, of Long Branch, was arrested on October 30, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Felber's bail at $25,000.

Sabrina Lipp, 19, of Eatontown, was arrested on October 30, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Lipp's bail at $25,000.

Daniel Keenan, 36, of Eatontown, was arrested on October 18, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Keenan's bail at $25,000.

Anna Murphy, 41, of Eatontown, was arrested on October 15, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Murphy's bail at $25,000.

Jonathan Novoa, 27, of Long Branch, was arrested on October 31, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Novoa's bail at $25,000.

Douglas Rittman, 38, of Hazlet, was arrested on November 1, 2007, on charges of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. set Rittman's bail at $25,000.